Coronavirus information point

Page updated 06/04/2022 information correct at time of publication

Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an illness which affects your lungs and airways. For most people, it causes mild to moderate symptoms, but in some cases can become much more serious and require hospital treatment.

At Age UK Lindsey we take the health and well-being of our clients, staff and volunteers very seriously and always work hard to ensure that everyone remains safe and well. We continue to follow NHS and government advice on how to respond to the outbreak, and are regularly assessing how we can safely deliver services. Please be aware that some of the guidance notes below are specific to England only. 

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

What should I do if I feel unwell?

How do I reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus?

What is the latest guidance?

Do I have to wear a face covering?

Can I visit a family member who lives in a care home?

How can I get vaccinated?

What are the long-term effects of Covid?

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms of coronavirus are:

• continuous cough
• high temperature, fever or chills
• loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
• shortness of breath
• unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
• muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
• not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
• headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
• sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
• diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

All of these are similar to many other illnesses and if you have them it does not necessarily mean that you have coronavirus, but most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should try to stay at home and minimise contact with others, especially people who may be more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. If you can, stay at home until you no longer feel unwell. More information about reducing contact with others can be found here.

For most people, free testing is no longer available in England. To find out more about this, visit the NHS website.

If your symptoms are mild, you do not need to go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

If your symptoms get worse or have not improved after 7 days, or if you cannot manage the symptoms at home, use the NHS 111 service for more advice. If you, or someone you care for has severe symptoms, for example they are struggling to breathe, coughing up blood or have collapsed, dial 999 and tell the operator that the patient might have coronavirus symptoms. More information about what to do if symptoms have not improved is available on the NHS website.

How do I reduce the risk of getting coronavirus?

Anyone can catch and spread the virus. It is thought that as many as one-in-three people who have the virus do not show any symptoms. Therefore, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, the advice remains: get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask when required and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds), using soap and water. 

In general, the risk of catching or passing on Covid-19 is higher:

• in crowded spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious
• in enclosed indoor spaces where there is limited fresh air

Where possible, if meeting with friends and family, meet outdoors, or keep indoor spaces well ventilated.

What is the current government guidance?

Do I have to wear a face covering?

Face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, however it is recommended that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and indoor spaces and some venues may have their own policies in place, especially hospitals, care homes and other healthcare settings; check before you enter any buildings or enclosed spaces.

Can I visit a family member who lives in a care home?

Yes. It is advised that close contact be kept to a minimum. Always check with the care home staff for any local policies which may affect visiting.

For the latest government guidelines for visiting care homes visit the gov.uk website.

How can I get vaccinated?

In England, the vaccine is now available to anyone over the age of 12. Appointments can be booked online, or you can visit one of the walk-in vaccination hubs, if available in your area. Appointments can be booked and managed on the NHS website or by calling 119. Vaccinations and calls to 119 are completely free of charge.

Booster Jabs

Booster jabs are available to anyone who is:

• aged 16 years old or over
• aged 12 to 15 years old with a condition that means they're at high risk from COVID-19

You'll be able to book a booster dose when it's been 2 months (61 days) since your 2nd dose.

The appointment dates you'll be offered will start from 3 months (91 days) after your 2nd dose.

Spring Booster

Spring boosters are now available to anyone who is:

• aged 75 years old or over
• aged 12 years old or over with a weakened immune system

People are advised to wait 6 months since their previous dose to get maximum protection from a spring booster.

You'll usually be contacted by the NHS, inviting you to book when it's due.

The appointment dates you'll be offered start from 3 months (91 days) after your previous dose, but booking an appointment around 6 months after your previous dose is preferable.

For more information about the vaccine, please visit the NHS website. Or to find out what happens at your vaccination appointment, click here.

Be aware! There are a number of scams currently circulating in relation to the Covid vaccine. The NHS will NOT:

❌ ask for payment

❌ ask for your bank details

❌ email a form for you to complete

❌ call unannounced at your home or place of work

What are the long-term effects of Covid?

Find out more about the long-term effects of Covid by visiting the NHS website.